Sharp Aquos R5G vs Sony Xperia 5 III: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The Sharp Aquos R5G and Sony Xperia 5 III represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. One prioritizes a stunning display and unique features, while the other focuses on a refined camera system and robust performance. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which device deserves your attention.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Sony Xperia 5 III edges out the Aquos R5G thanks to its superior camera capabilities, faster Snapdragon 888 chipset, and quicker charging. While the Aquos R5G boasts a remarkable display, the Xperia 5 III offers a more well-rounded flagship experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos R5G Sony Xperia 5 III
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - USA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Asia
Launch
Announced2020, February. Released 2020, February2021, April 14
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, October 08
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions162 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in)157 x 68 x 8.2 mm (6.18 x 2.68 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)168 g (5.93 oz)
 IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~544 ppi density)1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~449 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 86.9 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby VisionOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 660
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.0UFS 3.X
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panoramaZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm
Triple12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.7, 52mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 48 MP, f/2.9, 19mm (ultrawide), 0.8µm TOF 3D (depth)12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.7", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 70mm (telephoto), f/2.8, 105mm (telephoto), 1/2.9", dual pixel PDAF, 3x/4.4x optical zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.6", dual pixel PDAF
Video8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
 -Native Sony Alpha camera support
Battery
Charging-Wired, PD, 50% in 30 min
TypeLi-Ion 3730 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlare Black, Aurora WhiteBlack, Green, Pink
ModelsSH-51A, SHG01, SH-R50XQBQ62/G, XQBQ52G.UKCX, XQBQ52B.UKCX, XQ-BQ52, XQ-BQ72, XQ-BQ42, XQ-BQ62, SO-53B
PriceAbout 700 EUR€ 431.90 / £ 199.99
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.7 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 708394 (v9) GeekBench: 3549 (v5.1) GFXBench: 53fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos R5G

  • Exceptional IGZO Display
  • Unique Japanese Features
  • Bright and Vibrant Colors
  • Solid Performance

  • Slower Charging
  • Less Powerful Chipset than Xperia 5 III
  • Camera Not as Strong as Xperia 5 III
  • Availability Limited

Sony Xperia 5 III

  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 Chipset
  • Excellent Camera System
  • Fast Charging (PD)
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate Display
  • Robust Build Quality

  • Design Can Feel Dated
  • Display Not as Bright as Aquos R5G
  • Software Updates Can Be Slow

Display Comparison

The Sharp Aquos R5G's standout feature is its 6.5-inch IGZO display, known for its exceptional brightness and color accuracy. While the Xperia 5 III has a respectable 6.5-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Aquos R5G's panel offers a noticeably more vibrant and detailed visual experience. The Xperia 5 III's contrast ratio is technically 'infinite' (nominal), but the Aquos R5G's sheer brightness gives it an edge in outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Sony's expertise in camera technology shines in the Xperia 5 III. It features a versatile triple-lens setup with excellent image quality and video recording capabilities. The Aquos R5G's camera is competent, but it doesn't match the Xperia 5 III's overall performance, particularly in low-light conditions and video stabilization. The Xperia 5 III also offers more manual controls for photography enthusiasts.

Performance

The Sony Xperia 5 III holds a clear advantage here. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset (5nm) is more powerful and efficient than the Aquos R5G's Snapdragon 865 (7nm). This translates to smoother performance in demanding games and applications, and potentially better battery life under heavy load. Both phones have ample RAM, but the 888's architecture provides a noticeable boost.

Battery Life

Both phones are reported to have excellent endurance, with an endurance rating of 100h. However, the Xperia 5 III's faster charging (PD) allows it to reach 50% capacity in just 30 minutes, a significant advantage over the Aquos R5G's charging speed.

Buying Guide

The Sharp Aquos R5G is ideal for users who prioritize a top-tier display experience and are drawn to unique Japanese smartphone features. The Sony Xperia 5 III is a better choice for photography enthusiasts, gamers, and those seeking a reliable and powerful all-around flagship.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones are reported to have excellent battery life (100h endurance rating). However, the Xperia 5 III charges significantly faster.
❓ Is the Sharp Aquos R5G worth buying if I care about the display?
Absolutely! The Aquos R5G's IGZO display is truly exceptional and a major selling point for those who prioritize visual quality.